Shaitan Singh

Major Shaitan Singh was born on December 1, 1924 at Jodhpur in Rajasthan. He was commissioned in the Kumaon Regiment on 1 August 1949. Major Shaitan Singh was awarded Param Vir Chakra, the highest wartime gallantry medal, posthumously, for his leadership and courage during the Sino-Indian War.

Background

The Indo-China conflict in 1962 was triggered by a dispute over Aksai Chin. Chusul sector, only 15 miles from the border as the crow flies and with an all weather landing strip that was critical to the defence of Ladakh. Chushul is at 14,230 feet and is a small village in a narrow sandy valley about 25 miles long and 4 miles wide, flanked by mountains that rise to over 19,000 feet. Chushul was the solitary Indian position east of the Ladakh range. The importance of this sector was not lost on Major Shaitan Singh.

Rezang La is a pass and is on the south-eastern approach to Chushul Valley. The feature was 3000 yards long and 2000 yards wide at an average height of 16,000 feet.

During the 1962 Indo-China conflict, 13 Kumaon was deployed in Chushul sector. Major Shaitan Singh, who bravely commanded 'C' Company of 13 Kumaon. 'C' Company's three platoons were numbered 7, 8 and 9 and had .303 rifles with about 600 rounds per head, and between them six LMGs, and 1,000 grenades and mortar bombs.

Military Action

The 'C' Coy of the battalion, led by Major Shaitan Singh, held this crucial position at Rezang La, at a height of 5000 metres. The company area was defended by three...
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